If the command has been given, he removes their soul, otherwise he returns.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! This is a time for us to stop and think. We spend our time in negligence and sinful activities, whilst we are pursued by the destroyer of pleasures: the angel of death. We do not pay attention to death and have become content with the temporary life of this world, whereas death always hangs over our heads.

Nobody will remain

Imam Ḥasan Baṣrī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه explains:

The angel of death comes to every home three times a day. If anybody living inside has reached their final moments, he takes their soul, and the residents begin to cry. The angel then stands at the door and announces, “O people! I have done no wrong to you. I was ordered by Allah. Neither did I take your sustenance or reduce your lifespan, nor did I take a soul before its time. I will indeed come back to you again, again, and again, until none of you are left.”^[2]

The angel of death عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم and his four forms

Imam Ghazālī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه said:

The angel of death has four forms.

1.   A form in which his face emits flames.

2.   One in which he is completely dark.

3.   A very harsh and unappealing form.

4.   One in which he appears shining and glowing.